Blog Tour: The Strawberry House by Rachel Burton

 

When journalist Henry Aldridge is sent to write a story about the renovations at Montagu Manor, he is initially reluctant. The year now is 1952 and he would rather write about the ascension to the throne of the young new Queen Elizabeth. His reluctance has rather a lot to do with the fact that he spent some time at the manor prior to the outbreak of WWII, and he was caught up in events with tragic consequences.

It is the summer of 1938 and the world is holding it's breath as it waits to see what is going to happen in Europe. The aristocratic Kerrigan family live at Montagu House. Each year, the extended family descend on the house. This year though, there are going to be some additional guests. 

Henry has just finished his degree at Oxford. When he is invited to Montagu House by his friend Anthony, he takes the opportunity. It means that he can buy some time before he has to return to his family's meat canning factory. He doesn't want to spend his life working in the family business but he might not have a choice.

Henry is immediately attracted to Camilla, the no fuss, somewhat overlooked eldest daughter. Camilla would love to have the opportunity to go to Oxford to study but her conservative, aristocratic father will not allow it. Instead, she is expected to be the sensible daughter, the one who everyone relies on and takes for granted.

Also visiting the manor is a group of artistic types that call themselves the Kensington Circle, lead by charismatic artist Leonard Lombard who wants to paint beautiful Mabel Kerrigan. As the summer wears on, tensions rise in both the outside world and within the walls of Montagu Manor, culminating in the destruction of the incomplete portrait.

I really enjoyed this book. I enjoyed the almost mystery like feel of the latter timeline as Henry suddenly finds himself investigating exactly what did happen in that summer and is reacquainted with people he never thought to see again, including Camilla. Nothing is quite as it seemed at the time, and once again, lives will be changed by what is uncovered.

Whilst the artist and his group are made up, one of the interesting aspects of the story is the connection to famous Arts and Crafts movement leader William Morris, which is where the inspiration for the title of the book comes from. 

A compelling read about a world on the edge of war and great social change, with strong characters and an interesting series. This is the second book I have read from Rachel Burton. I enjoyed the previous book I read but this one was even better! I am already looking forward to seeing what comes next from this talented author!

I am sharing this review with New Release Challenge hosted at The Chocolate Lady's Book Review Blog and the Historical Fiction Reading Challenge which I host here.  Thanks to the publisher, Netgalley and Rachel's Random Resources for the review copy. Be sure to check out other stops on the blog tour below.

Rating 4.5/5

About the Book

The Strawberry House

1938: For Camilla Kerrigan, life at her family's Oxford manor is a delicate balancing act – between duty to her family and a yearning for something more. When her brother Anthony returns for the summer, bringing with him a new friend, Camilla recognises a kindred spirit. Like her, Henry is thoughtful, restless and uncertain of his future.

But the arrival of four strangers – among them a gifted artist determined to paint Camilla’s sister Mabel – soon shatters the fragile peace of the manor. In the shimmering heat, desires are stirred and one impulsive act will set in motion a tragedy that echoes for decades.

1952: Haunted by war and the memory of that long-ago summer, the last thing Henry wants is to return to Montagu Manor. But when a photograph arrives, showing the painting he thought destroyed – the portrait that ruined so many lives – he is drawn back into the past.

Now, Henry and Camilla must face the secrets that shaped them, and the love that refuses to fade.

One unforgettable summer. One devastating secret. A love that time could not erase.

Purchase Link - https://mybook.to/StrawberryHouse

About the Author

Rachel Burton is the bestselling author of historical timeslip novels and romantic comedies. Rachel was born in Cambridge and studied Classics and English Literature before starting a career in law. She lives in Yorkshire with her husband, a variety of cats and far too many books.

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